Q: Do you have a minimum Board Examination score requirement for acceptance into residency?
A: No, we evaluate each application in its entirety and decisions are made on a variety of factors. We do give precedence to applicants with stronger performance on the exam and prefer individuals who passed their Boards on the first attempt.
Q: Do you accept international medical graduates as residents?
A: Yes. We are looking for the most capable residents available, and they come from a variety of backgrounds. We do give preference to applicants who have had clinical experience within the last three years.
Q: Do you accept COMLEX scores for applications?
A: We accept COMLEX scores for applications, but USMLE scores are required, even for graduates of osteopathic schools.
Q: Do you sponsor any visas?
A: Yes, the J1 and H1B.
Q: What other criteria does your program have for residency selection?
A: We do not have any one particular criterion, but things that weigh favorably are: AOA status, research experience, publications, community service, and/or a strong medical school transcript. We recommend that you provide explanation for any extraordinary information within your application. For instance, if you have failed a medical school course, you should briefly discuss in your personal statement any extenuating circumstances that may have contributed to the situation.
Q: What kind of health insurance do residents receive?
A: Residents receive basic health, dental, and vision insurance covered by UPMC. Residents can upgrade insurance for nominal fee. There is no health insurance premium and the deductible is as low as $500/person/year. To achieve that deductible reduction, you will be participating in UPMC’s Take a Healthy Step Initiative. For more details, please visit the UPMC GME Benefits page.
Q: Is parking covered for residents?
A: Parking is included at all clinical sites free of charge.
Q: What other benefits do residents receive?
A: Residents receive retirement fund matching up to 50% of 4% of your salary. You are welcome to contribute as much of each paycheck as you’d like with a wide array of investing options. For more details, please visit the UPMC GME Benefits page.
Q: How often do residents work?
A: Residents work an average of 55-65 hours per week, often less. This is rotation-dependent.
Q: How often do residents take night call?
A: Residents are on call on average once per week and one weekend a month during PGY years 2-4. Weekday call is 2:30 pm to 7 am and weekend call is 7a-7p/7p-7a. Residents get a post call day off after night call.
Q: What does the resident educational fund cover?
A: Residents receive $1,500 per year from their PGY-1 to PGY-3 years and $2,500 in their PGY-4 year. Funds can be used towards books, question banks, USMLE Step 3, ABA Basic and Advanced exams, and other educational materials. They can also be used to pay for registration, travel, and hotel for conferences.
Q: How do residents and CRNAs work together?
A: UPMC provides residents a unique opportunity to work in a comprehensive anesthesia care team model. Residents are assigned the most interesting and challenging cases on a daily basis. When on call, senior residents get the opportunity to work alongside the attendings and gain substaffing experience. Due to the size of our department, residents are given protected time to attend weekly lectures, PBLDs, Journal Clubs, and academic conferences.